Petra is a Partner at Patentanwaltskanzlei Matschnig & Forsthuber OG in Vienna, Austria.
A European Patent Litigator (UPC) and a qualified Austrian and European Patent, Trademark and Design attorney, she specialises in life sciences, medtech, and food sciences.
With almost two decades of experience, Petra supports innovators in these sectors in securing, defending and enforcing their intellectual property rights.
Petra is a contributing author to Stadler/Koller (eds.), PatG (2026), a leading commentary on Austrian Patent Law.
In addition to her work in private practice, Petra serves as an expert lay judge at the Commercial Court of Vienna and at the Supreme Court of Austria. In this role, she contributes her technical and legal expertise to complex patent disputes, participating in judicial decision-making at first instance and appellate level.
She finds that one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is daily engagement with innovative and forward-looking technologies, without being exposed to uncertainties inherent in scientific research itself.
“My work is highly diverse and intellectually demanding, and I value the fact that my advice and actions have a direct and tangible impact,” Petra notes.
“The profession requires continuous learning and adaptation, which I find deeply motivating, and it allows me to work in an international environment with clients and colleagues from many different jurisdictions and cultural backgrounds.”
Best practice to share with FICPI members
Relationships with national and international clients built on trust and collaboration are at the heart of Matschnig & Forsthuber’s practice. The firm places strong emphasis on early issue-spotting and constructive feedback, aiming to prevent problems rather than react to them. This approach improves efficiency, strengthens client relationships, and leads to higher-quality outcomes, particularly in complex matters where clarity and mutual respect are essential.
For Petra personally, remaining curious and open-minded, and approaching others without prejudice ensures she actively enjoys meeting new clients and discovering more about their passions and inventions.
The future for independent IP attorneys
Artificial Intelligence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on IP practices worldwide. Petra expects AI to transform routine-driven and data-intensive tasks, in particular.
At the same time, the emergence of highly competitive service providers offering standardised IP services at lower cost presents additional pressure on firms. Petra advises
“These developments will require independent IP attorneys to further sharpen their value proposition. We must focus on strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and high-level advisory work that cannot be easily automated or commoditised.”
Adding value to clients
At Matschnig & Forsthuber, the consultancy ethos is reflected in their dedication to fully understanding each client’s technologies, strategies, and constraints. Petra explains
“This enables us to deliver solutions that are not only legally sound but also commercially meaningful. Clients value our responsiveness, reliability and transparency, as well as our ability to navigate complex international IP landscapes with confidence and precision.”
The firm’s core strength lies in combining deep technical understanding with pragmatic, business-focused legal advice.
An example of a recent case
Petra and the team at Matschnig & Forsthuber recently contributed to a complex patent litigation matter involving an exceptional volume of technical and legal material. Preparing opinions under significant time pressure was challenging, but also extremely rewarding, she shares.
“What made this experience particularly enjoyable was the outstanding collaboration between the client team and IP professionals across several jurisdictions,” Petra says. “Despite the intensity of the workload, the coordination was seamless, and the commitment of everyone involved was truly impressive.”
Value of FICPI membership
Petra joined FICPI in 2017 and remarks,
“What I value most about FICPI is the sense of belonging to a truly global IP family. The FICPI annual conferences, my personal professional highlight of the year, take place in a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating environment and encourage open, meaningful exchanges.”
She has attended many Open Fora and World Congress since 2017, enabling her to combine her love of travel with meaningful discussions around developments and opportunities in the IP field. Petra explains,
“Beyond celebrating successes, FICPI members openly discuss challenges and practical solutions. That authenticity makes the dialogue particularly enriching in an ever-evolving professional landscape.”
At the next event, ask her what’s on her reading, music and podcast lists (the FICPI Focus 45 must surely be high on the list!).
Petra is also a member of The Austrian Chamber of Patent Attorneys and its Disciplinary Board as well as its recently-created DEIA Committee. She explains,
I am involved in the DEIA Committee of the Austrian Chamber of Patent Attorneys, which is particularly meaningful to me given that the number of female patent attorneys in Austria remains comparatively low and our profession is still relatively homogenious.
In our small and highly specialised community, diversity thrives when supported by conscious commitment, open dialogue and visible role models.
As a recently established committee, we are laying the foundation for a culture in which different perspectives, backgrounds, and career paths are recognised as genuine strengths that enrich our profession.
Exchanging views and experiences with DEIA committees and working groups of other IP organisations further strengthens this effort by broadening our perspective and reinforcing our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion internationally.
Final word – outside of work
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for Petra, who enjoys living in the moment and appreciating small joys.
Creativity in the kitchen couples with creativity in craft in her spare time. Petra enjoys experimenting with recipes and knitting, which she highlights as
“a surprisingly technical and creative craft”.
This also shines through in the impeccable style that Petra brings to FICPI events, no doubt driven by her love of art, interior design and architecture.
Time with family and friends is equally important, as is staying active outdoors, whether hiking, cycling, and gardening.
At home Petra admits to being a disobedient servant to two cats!
Education & training
- 2022: European Patent Litigator (UPC)
- 2016: Austrian and European Patent, Trademark & Design Attorney
- 2011: European Patent Attorney
- 2004: PhD in Nanobiotechnology and Biophysics (with distinction)
- 2000: Finished Diploma Studies in Food- and Biotechnology (with distinction)
Professional background
- 2007 - date: Patentanwaltskanzlei Matschnig & Forsthuber OG, Austria, Vienna
- 2006-2007 Patent and licensing manager and technology transfer expert in public technology funding at the federal funding bank of the Republic of Austria
- 2004-2005 Maternity leave and training in project management and languages
- 2000-2004 Doctoral student, postdoctoral researcher, and staff scientist at a life-sciences start-up, with a focus on nanobiotechnology, biochemistry, and biophysics.
